Imatron: Speed Saves
Executive Summary
Imatron's electron beam tomography, or EBT, offers clinicians a valuable tool to detect the early presence of heart disease, by looking for calcium deposits that are a surrogate for plaque build-up, and to help them begin treatment or lifestyle changes before heart attacks occur. But adoption or acceptance of EBT has been slow in coming, the result of physician skepticism, consumer ignorance, and most importantly, insurer resistance. Some physicians are skeptical because EBT measures neither restenosis no so-called vulnerable plaque. Things are looking up for Imatron, however. Sales of EBT systems are increasing rapidly due to greater acceptance in the medical community and the launch of the company's own sales force.